S M K I N I H O N G O

HARAMAKI

Jumaat, 26 April 2013 • 6:54 PG • 0 comments

Haramaki (literally "abdomen wraps") are items of Japanese clothing that cover the stomach. They are worn for health and fashion reasons.

During the First Sino-Japanese War and World War II, a soldier going off to fight was often given a senninbariharamaki ("1,000 stitch belt") by his family. A mother, sister, or wife would stand on the street and ask passing women to contribute a stitch until 1,000 had been collected. The garment was meant to both provide warmth and serve as a talisman to ward away harm

Popular fashion

Modern haramaki (loose translation for popular use: 'belly warmer') do not have much in common with their historical predecessors that were made for armour. They are a simple circular tube of fabric, much like a tube top, worn around the midriff as opposed to the chest.

The new haramaki have gained popularity in Japanese fashion as an accessory and are made from many fabrics and patterns for practical and aesthetic purposes. ShigesatoItoi and his company Hobonichi are commonly credited for the current resurgence. Itoi had been wearing haramaki for years despite their old-fashioned reputation and perception as an unfashionable undergarment, eventually re-introducing them as an accessory for sale in Japan.

The benefit of haramaki

The haramaki is held to have the following benefits:

1.Keeping the hara warm keeps the whole body warm

2.Eases menstrual cramps

3.May aid digestion and blood circulation

4.Adds an interesting layer to your clothes and keeps you warm without bulky layers

5.Provides coverage during activities such as yoga and cycling

6.Covers the above-mentioned muffin top (exposed midriff)

7.Hides builders bum

8.Offers warmth and support in pregnancy

9.Helps breast-feeding mum’s limit exposure when lifting tops.

For more information about haramaki, please visit http://www.jamiegisby.co.uk/ .